JP2015185079A - Information code reading system, information code reading method, and display medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information code reading system, an information code reading method, and a display medium capable of improving security relating to information code copy prevention.SOLUTION: On a display medium 20, a visually recognizable information code C1 from which first information is read and a second information code C2 from which second information is read by reflection characteristics in response to dedicated light by being covered with a mask member 30 are displayed. Decoding results of both the information code C1 and the information code C2 are obtained by being imaged by an information code reader 40, whereby the display medium 20 is authorized as a normal medium.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information code reading system, an information code reading method, and a display medium.

  At present, information codes such as barcodes and QR codes (registered trademark) are used for various purposes, and their usage purposes are also diversifying. In particular, in recent years, needs for improving the security of information codes have increased, and for example, a configuration that can prevent unauthorized duplication of information codes is required.

  For example, a two-dimensional code-added form disclosed in Patent Document 1 below is known as a technique related to such a technique for preventing unauthorized duplication of an information code. In this two-dimensional code-added form, the thermal layer on the paper is formed by infrared printing of the two-dimensional code by thermal printing. On the two-dimensional code, a concealment made of infrared non-absorbing ink is formed. A concealed solid print layer is provided, and two types of camouflage print layers that make it difficult to visually recognize the two-dimensional code are provided on the concealed solid print layer. As a result, even if the form is copied by a copying machine, the two-dimensional code is not reproduced by the concealed solid print layer, so that unauthorized duplication of the two-dimensional code can be prevented.

JP 2013-001078 A

  By the way, in the display medium in which the information code is concealed as described above, when reading the information code, the reading port of the reading device needs to be directed to the concealed solid print layer. That is, since the reading port is directed to the portion of the concealed solid print layer where the information code cannot be visually recognized, it may be known that some device is applied to the portion of the concealed solid print layer. If it does so, it will become easy to analyze the concealment structure of the information code using the concealment solid print layer, and there is a problem in terms of security.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information code reading system, an information code reading method, and a display medium that can improve security related to information code copy prevention. It is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 of the claims includes a display medium (20, 20a) on which an information code (C1, C2) is displayed, and an information code displayed on the display medium. In an information code reading system (10), comprising: an authentication means (41) for authenticating the display medium based on a reading result by the reading device Includes a first information code (C1) that can be read from which the first information is read, and a second information code (C2) from which the second information is read by reflection characteristics corresponding to light in a specific wavelength band. And the reading device is configured to illuminate at least the light of the specific wavelength band by the illumination means (44), and to the display medium by the first information code and the illumination means. Wave of Imaging means (42) for imaging the second information code in a state where the band light is irradiated, and decoding means (41) for decoding the information code imaged by the imaging means, the authentication The means authenticates that the display medium is a regular medium by obtaining the decoding results of both the first information code and the second information code by the decoding means. To do.

  The invention according to claim 3 includes a display medium (20, 20a) on which the information code (C1, C2) is displayed, a reading device (40) that optically reads the information code displayed on the display medium, In the information code reading system (10) having authentication means (41) for authenticating the display medium based on the reading result by the reading device, the display medium is configured to read the first information. A first information code (C1) that is visible and transmits light in a specific wavelength band, and a second information code that is covered with the first information code and has reflection characteristics according to the light in the specific wavelength band. A second information code (C2) from which information is read is displayed, and the reading device has at least illumination means (44) capable of irradiating light of the specific wavelength band and the display medium with respect to the display medium. First information Imaging means (42) for imaging the second information code in a state in which light of the specific wavelength band is irradiated by the illumination means and the decoding means for decoding the information code imaged by the imaging means Means (41), wherein the authentication means obtains a decoding result of both the first information code and the second information code by the decoding means, so that the display medium is authorized. It is characterized by authenticating that it is a medium.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the information code reading method for optically reading the information code (C1, C2) displayed on the display medium (20) using the reading device (40). A visually recognizable first information code (C1) from which the first information is read, and a second information code (C2) from which the second information is read by reflection characteristics corresponding to light in a specific wavelength band. Decoding the first information code displayed and decoded by the reading device and decoding the second information code imaged in a state where light of the specific wavelength band is irradiated; And a second step of authenticating that the display medium is a legitimate medium by obtaining a decoding result in each of the first steps.

The invention according to claim 10 is the information code reading method for optically reading the information code (C1, C2) displayed on the display medium (20a) using the reading device (40). A first information code (C1) that is visible so that the first information can be read and transmits light of a specific wavelength band, and light of the specific wavelength band that is covered by the first information code And a second information code (C2) from which the second information is read by the reflection characteristic according to the display, and the reading device decodes the imaged first information code and the specific wavelength band The display medium is a regular medium by obtaining a decoding result in each of the first step and the first step of decoding the second information code imaged in a state where the light is irradiated. Characterized in that it comprises a second step of authenticating that.
In addition, the code | symbol in each said parenthesis shows the correspondence with the specific means as described in embodiment mentioned later.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the display information includes the first information code that allows the first information to be read and the second information that is read based on the reflection characteristic according to the light in the specific wavelength band. And an information code are displayed. Then, by obtaining the decoding results of both the captured first information code and second information code, the authentication unit authenticates that the display medium is a legitimate medium.

  In the invention of claim 9, the second information is read from the display medium by the first information code that can be read from the first information and the reflection characteristic according to the light in the specific wavelength band. The second information code is displayed. Then, in the first step, the first information code imaged by the reading device is decoded, and the second information code imaged in a state where light of a specific wavelength band is irradiated by the reading device is decoded. When the decoding result is obtained in the first step, it is authenticated in the second step that the display medium is a regular medium.

  In this way, when both the first information code and the second information code are read, the display medium is authenticated as a legitimate medium. Therefore, it is impossible to accurately duplicate up to the second information code indicating, so that it is possible to prevent the display medium from being duplicated using the second information code. In particular, it is very difficult to conceive that, in addition to the first information code that can be viewed by a third party, a second information code that shows reflection characteristics with light in a specific wavelength band is further prepared. Yes, it is difficult to know the presence of the second information code. Therefore, it is possible to improve security related to information code copy prevention.

  In the invention of claim 2, since the first information code and the second information code are arranged along a predetermined reading direction, the second information code showing reflection characteristics with light of a specific wavelength band Can be easily inferred from the first information code that can be visually recognized. In particular, the first information code and the second information code can be read smoothly by sending the display medium mechanically along the predetermined reading direction to the reading device.

  In the invention of claim 3, the display medium is covered with the first information code that is visible so that the first information can be read and transmits light of a specific wavelength band. And a second information code for reading the second information by the reflection characteristic corresponding to the light of the specific wavelength band. Then, by obtaining the decoding results of both the captured first information code and second information code, the authentication unit authenticates that the display medium is a legitimate medium.

  In the invention of claim 10, the display medium is visible so that the first information can be read, and the first information code that transmits light in a specific wavelength band and the first information code And a second information code for reading the second information with reflection characteristics corresponding to the light of the specific wavelength band. In the first step, the first information code picked up by the reading device is decoded, and the second information code picked up in a state where the light of a specific wavelength band is irradiated is decoded. Since the decoding result is obtained in each step, it is authenticated in the second step that the display medium is a regular medium.

  In this way, when both the first information code and the second information code are read, the display medium is authenticated as a legitimate medium. Therefore, it is impossible to accurately duplicate up to the second information code indicating, so that it is possible to prevent the display medium from being duplicated using the second information code. In particular, it is very difficult to conceive that, in addition to the first information code that can be viewed by a third party, a second information code that shows reflection characteristics with light in a specific wavelength band is further prepared. Yes, it is difficult to know the presence of the second information code. Furthermore, since the second information code can be read by directing the reading port of the reading device to the position where the first information code is read, not only the reading operation is facilitated, but also the first information code is used for the first information code. It is possible to make it difficult to know the presence of the second information code. Therefore, it is possible to improve security related to information code copy prevention.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the second information code is covered with a mask member that transmits light of the specific wavelength band, and the first information code is arranged so as to cover the mask member. For this reason, not only the mask member makes it difficult to know the presence of the second information code, but also the first information code and the second information code arranged so as to overlap can be clearly distinguished. it can.

  In the invention of claim 5, since the information for authentication is included in the second information, the information for authentication is included in the information code imaged in a state where the light of the specific wavelength band is irradiated. By determining whether or not it is included, it is possible to determine whether or not the second information code is read, that is, whether or not the display medium is a regular medium. Thereby, since the display medium is not authenticated as a legitimate medium simply by reading the second information code, the authentication accuracy by the authentication means can be improved.

  In the invention of claim 6, the authentication means further authenticates that the display medium is a regular medium according to the comparison result of the two decoding results. Accordingly, for example, when the information included in the first information and the information included in the second information have a certain relationship, the first information is authenticated by authenticating that the display medium is a regular medium. Since it is determined whether or not the display medium is a regular medium in consideration of both the contents of the second information and the contents of the second information, the authentication accuracy by the authentication means can be further improved.

  In the invention of claim 7, the authentication means further authenticates that the display medium is a regular medium when the expiration date obtained from the decoding result of the second information code is within a predetermined time limit. As a result, the security related to the prevention of information code duplication can be improved in consideration of the expiration date, and not only can the falsification of the expiration date be suppressed, but even the expiration date can be made difficult to know. .

  In the invention of claim 8, since the second information includes a predetermined encryption key for decrypting at least a part of the first information code, the second information code is not read unless the invisible second information code is read. Since at least a part of one information code cannot be decrypted, it is possible to further improve the authentication accuracy by the authentication means and improve the security of the first information code.

  In the eleventh aspect of the invention, in the first step, the first information code is decoded after the second information code picked up in a state where light of a specific wavelength band is irradiated is decoded. As a result, the imaging process related to the first information code when the forged medium is imaged by regarding the medium for which decoding has failed in the state of being imaged by being irradiated with light of a specific wavelength band as the forged medium forged. Decoding processing can be omitted, processing related to authentication can be facilitated, and the processing load can be reduced.

  In a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the display medium includes a first information code that allows the first information to be read, and second information that is read based on reflection characteristics corresponding to light in a specific wavelength band. And an information code are displayed.

  Thus, only when both the first information code and the second information code are read, the display medium is authenticated as a legitimate medium. Therefore, it is impossible to accurately duplicate up to the second information code indicating, so that it is possible to prevent the display medium from being duplicated using the second information code. In particular, it is very difficult to conceive that, in addition to the first information code that can be viewed by a third party, a second information code that shows reflection characteristics with light in a specific wavelength band is further prepared. Yes, it is difficult to know the presence of the second information code. Therefore, it is possible to improve the security related to prevention of duplication of the information code displayed on the display medium.

  In a thirteenth aspect of the invention, the display medium is visible so that the first information can be read, and the first information code that transmits light of a specific wavelength band and the first information code And a second information code for reading the second information with reflection characteristics corresponding to the light of the specific wavelength band.

  Thus, only when both the first information code and the second information code are read, the display medium is authenticated as a legitimate medium. Therefore, it is impossible to accurately duplicate up to the second information code indicating, so that it is possible to prevent the display medium from being duplicated using the second information code. In particular, it is very difficult to conceive that, in addition to the first information code that can be viewed by a third party, a second information code that shows reflection characteristics with light in a specific wavelength band is further prepared. Yes, it is difficult to know the presence of the second information code. Furthermore, since the second information code can be read by directing the reading port of the reading device to the position where the first information code is read, not only the reading operation is facilitated, but also the first information code is used for the first information code. It is possible to make it difficult to know the presence of the second information code. Therefore, it is possible to improve the security related to prevention of duplication of the information code displayed on the display medium.

1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an information code reading system according to a first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining an example of the display medium which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which illustrates the flow of the reading process in the information code reading apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining an example of the display medium which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which illustrates the flow of the reading process in the information code reader which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which illustrates the flow of the reading process in the information code reader which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which illustrates the flow of the reading process in the information code reading apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which illustrates the flow of the reading process in the information code reader which concerns on 6th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which illustrates the flow of the reading process in the information code reader which concerns on 7th Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which an information code reading system, an information code reading method, and a display medium according to the present invention are embodied will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an information code reading system 10 according to the first embodiment.
An information code reading system 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a display medium 20 on which an information code is displayed, and an information code reading device 40 that optically reads the information code displayed on the display medium 20. In this system, the display medium 20 is authenticated based on the reading result by the device 40. In the present embodiment, the information code reading system 10 is employed as a concert admission management system, and the display medium 20 is sold at a sales office after being created at a predetermined printing office as a concert admission ticket. The information code reader 40 is installed at each entrance gate of the concert hall.

(Display medium)
First, the display medium 20 used in the information code reading system 10 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the display medium 20 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2A illustrates a captured image captured by irradiating the display medium 20 with visible light. FIG. 2B shows a captured image obtained by irradiating the display medium 20 with dedicated light. In FIG. 2B, the position of the mask member 30 is indicated by a two-dot chain line for convenience.

  The display medium 20 includes a first information code (hereinafter also simply referred to as an information code C1) and a second information code (hereinafter also simply referred to as an information code C2) covered by the mask member 30. It is displayed on the paper 21 together with information. As shown in FIG. 2, the information code C <b> 1 and the information code C <b> 2 are arranged so as to be separated by a predetermined distance along the longitudinal direction of the paper 21.

  The information codes C1 and C2 are QR codes, and are configured by arranging a plurality of light color modules and dark color modules configured as a square area in a matrix. The information code C1 is configured such that the first information is optically read by the information code reading device 40. The first information includes public information that can be disclosed as information related to the admission ticket, for example, concerts. Information and management number are specified. The information code C2 is configured such that the second information is optically read by the information code reading device 40, and this second information includes private information that should be kept private as information related to the entrance ticket, For example, personal information of the ticket purchaser is included.

  Among the modules constituting the information codes C1 and C2, each light color module has light in a wavelength band in the visible light region (hereinafter also simply referred to as visible light) or light in a specific wavelength band different from the wavelength band (hereinafter referred to as “visible light”). , Which is also simply referred to as dedicated light), it is configured to exhibit light-colored reflection characteristics. Each dark color module constituting the information codes C1 and C2 is configured to exhibit dark color reflection characteristics when irradiated with visible light or dedicated light. Specifically, each module constituting the information codes C1 and C2 is configured by applying commonly used normal ink.

  The mask member 30 is configured by applying ink that transmits reflected light from each module constituting the information code C2 when the dedicated light is irradiated and prevents the transmission of the visible light. In the present embodiment, infrared light is assumed as the dedicated light, and the mask member 30 is configured by applying, for example, infrared transmission ink.

  For this reason, in the normal state where the visible light is dominant, as shown in FIG. 2A, the information code C2 is hidden by the mask member 30 and cannot be viewed and imaged. On the other hand, when imaging while irradiating the dedicated light, since the reflected light from each module constituting the information code C2 passes through the mask member 30, the imaging is performed as shown in FIG. The information code C2 can be extracted from the image.

(Information code reader)
Next, the information code reader 40 that can optically read the information code displayed on the display medium 20 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
The information code reading device 40 shown in FIG. 1 has a function of imaging and optically reading the information code attached to the display medium 20. The information code reading device 40 includes a control unit 41 including a CPU, an imaging unit 42 configured as a camera including a light receiving sensor, a first illumination light source 43 that emits visible light, and the dedicated light (in this embodiment, A second illumination light source 44 for irradiating infrared light), a storage unit 45 including storage means such as a ROM, a RAM, and a nonvolatile memory.

  The imaging unit 42 is disposed between the pair of first illumination light sources 43a and 43b, and forms an image of the reflected light from the display medium 20 and the information code displayed on the display medium 20 on the light receiving surface of the light receiving sensor 42a. And function to generate image data of the information code. The light receiving sensor 42a is configured to be able to receive reflected light irradiated and reflected on the display medium 20, for example, a line sensor in which light receiving elements that are solid-state imaging elements such as C-MOS and CCD are arranged one-dimensionally. Alternatively, an area sensor arranged two-dimensionally corresponds to this. The imaging lens 42b is constituted by, for example, a lens barrel and a plurality of condensing lenses housed in the lens barrel, and forms an image of a code image of the information code on the light receiving surface of the light receiving sensor 42a. Is functioning. The image signal output from the light receiving sensor 42a of the optical system is stored in, for example, an image data storage area of the storage unit 45. The imaging unit 42 may correspond to an example of “imaging unit”.

  The 1st illumination light source 43 and the 2nd illumination light source 44 which comprise an illumination light source (illumination optical system) are each provided in the both sides which pinched | interposed the imaging part 42 (light reception optical system), for example. A pair of 1st illumination light sources 43a and 43b are comprised by LED which irradiates visible light with a wavelength of 380 nm-750 nm, for example. Further, the second illumination light sources 44a and 44b arranged in pairs are configured by LEDs that emit infrared light having a wavelength of 750 nm or more as dedicated light. The second illumination light source 44 corresponds to an example of “illuminating means”. In the present embodiment, the number of light sources of the second illumination light source 44 is larger than the number of light sources of the first illumination light source 43.

  The storage unit 45 is a semiconductor memory device, and corresponds to, for example, a RAM (DRAM, SRAM, etc.) or a ROM (EPROM, EEPROM, etc.). In addition to the above-described image data storage area, the RAM of the storage unit 45 is configured to be able to secure a work area and a reading condition table used by the control unit 41 in each processing such as arithmetic operation and logical operation. Yes. The ROM stores in advance a predetermined program that can execute various processes and the like, and a system program that can control each hardware such as the illumination light source and the light receiving sensor 42a. The control unit 41 is configured by a microcomputer or the like that can control the entire information code reader 40, and includes a CPU, a system bus, an input / output interface, and the like, and has an information processing function.

  Further, the information code reading device 40 includes a display unit 46, an operation unit 47, and a communication unit 48. The display unit 46 is composed of a liquid crystal or the like, and is controlled by the control unit 41 and has a function of displaying predetermined information such as a result of reading an information code on the display screen. The operation unit 47 includes a plurality of keys and the like, and has a function of inputting information corresponding to the key operation to the control unit 41. The communication unit 48 is an interface for communicating with an external device, and is configured to be able to transmit / receive the acquired read information and the like to / from the external device under the control of the control unit 41.

(Reading process)
Next, a reading process performed by the information code reading system 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of reading processing in the information code reading device 40 according to the first embodiment.
Since it is the admission reception start time of the concert, when the operation unit 47 of the information code reader 40 is operated and information for starting the reading operation is input to the control unit 41, the reading process shown in FIG. Be started. The entrance ticket (display medium 20) is placed at a predetermined reading position, so that the visible light irradiation process shown in step S101 is performed, and the first illumination light source 43 emits visible light. Next, the imaging process shown in step S <b> 103 is performed, and the entrance ticket that is irradiated with visible light is imaged by the imaging unit 42. In this imaging process, all of the entrance ticket may be imaged, or only the peripheral area including the area where the information code C1 is arranged in the entrance ticket may be imaged.

  Since visible light is irradiated, when the information code C1 is imaged without imaging the information code C2 (see FIG. 2A), the decoding process shown in step S105 is performed. In this process, the code image including the captured information code C1 is decoded by a known method defined for the code type. The control unit 41 that executes the decoding process shown in step S105 and a decoding process described later can correspond to an example of a “decoding unit”.

  When the first information encoded as the information code C1 is decoded (decoded) by the decoding process (Yes in S107), the dedicated light irradiation process shown in step S109 is performed, and the dedicated light is emitted from the second illumination light source 44. Is irradiated. Next, the imaging process shown in step S <b> 111 is performed, and the entrance ticket that is irradiated with the dedicated light is imaged by the imaging unit 42. In this imaging process, the entire entrance ticket may be imaged, or only the peripheral area including the area where the information code C2 is arranged in the entrance ticket may be imaged.

  Here, if the admission ticket imaged by irradiating the dedicated light is a regular admission ticket constituted by the display medium 20, the information code C2 is imaged (see FIG. 2B) and shown in step S113. Decode processing is performed. In this process, the code image including the captured information code C2 is decoded by a known method defined for the code type.

  When the second information encoded as the information code C2 is decoded (decoded) by the decoding process (Yes in S115), the authentication process shown in step S117 is performed. In this process, since both the first information and the second information are read, it is determined that the captured entrance ticket (display medium 20) is authentic, and this entrance ticket (display medium 20) is authenticated. Processing is performed. The control unit 41 that executes the authentication process may correspond to an example of “authentication unit”.

  Subsequently, in the first notification process shown in step S119, an indication that the captured entrance ticket is a regular entrance ticket is displayed on the display unit 46 and notified. In the data output process shown in step S121, the read first information, second information, and the like are transmitted (output) to the host system such as an external device through the communication unit 48 together with the authentication information.

  On the other hand, if the ticket is simply a copy of the display medium 20 using a normal copying machine, the first information is decoded (Yes in S107), but the information code C2 is not displayed even when the dedicated light is irradiated. Since the image is not captured, the decoding process in step S113 fails (No in S115). In this case, the second notification process shown in step S123 is performed, and the display unit 46 displays and notifies that the captured entrance ticket is not a regular entrance ticket. In this case, assuming that the counterfeit ticket has been read, the first information and information specifying the read information code reading device 40 are transmitted (output) to a higher-level system such as an external device via the communication unit 48. be able to.

  In addition, when the decoding in the state where the visible light is irradiated fails (No in S107), the third notification process shown in Step S125 is performed, and the information code displayed on the entrance ticket cannot be read due to dirt or the like Is displayed on the display unit 46 and notified.

  As described above, in the information code reading system 10 according to the present embodiment, the display medium 20 (admission ticket) is covered with the visible information code C1 from which the first information is read and the mask member 30. The information code C2 from which the second information is read by the reflection characteristic corresponding to the dedicated light (light of a specific wavelength band) is displayed. Then, by obtaining the decoding results of both the information code C1 and the information code C2 captured by the information code reader 40, it is authenticated that the captured display medium 20 is a regular medium.

  In the information code reading method, as a first step, the information code C1 imaged by the information code reading device 40 is decoded in step S105, and dedicated light is irradiated by the information code reading device 40 in step S113. The information code C2 imaged in the captured state is decoded, and as a second step, decoding results are obtained in each of step S105 and step S113, so that the imaged display medium 20 is a regular medium in step S117. It is authenticated that.

  In this way, when both the information code C1 and the information code C2 are read, the display medium 20 is authenticated as a legitimate medium, so that it is reflected by the dedicated light by being simply covered by the mask member 30. Since the information code C2 indicating the characteristic cannot be accurately copied, it is possible to prevent the display medium 20 from being copied using the information code C2. In particular, it is very conceivable that, in spite of the information code C1 that can be visually recognized by a third party, an information code C2 that shows reflection characteristics with dedicated light is prepared in addition to the information code C1. It is difficult to know the presence of the information code C2. Therefore, it is possible to improve security related to information code copy prevention.

  Further, since the information code C1 and the information code C2 are arranged so as to be separated from each other by a predetermined distance along the longitudinal direction of the paper 21, the position of the information code C2 can be easily estimated from the visible information code C1. . Even if the information code C1 and the information code C2 are arranged along a predetermined reading direction, the above-described effect can be obtained. In particular, when the information code C1 and the information code C2 are individually imaged, the information code C1 and the information code C1 can be obtained by sending the display medium 20 to the information code reader 40 along the predetermined reading direction. The information code C2 can be read smoothly.

  For example, when the paper 21 is mechanically sent to the information code reading device 40 such as a parking ticket or a ticket gate, the information code C1 is first read by sending it to the information code reading device 40 from the information code C1 side. Subsequently, the information code C2 is read. This is possible because it is arranged along the paper 21. For example, if the size of the information code C2 is changed at “◯ × ○ Concert” on the paper 21, the focal length is changed, which may cause trouble in reading. Therefore, it is desirable that the information code C1 and the information code C2 have substantially the same size.

  Further, when the information is read by the hand-held information code reader 40, the information code C2 can be read with a minimum movement. An operator who knows the presence of the information code C2 that cannot be visually recognized can easily assume the position of the information code C2. For this reason, in the case of the hand-held information code reader 40, it is desirable that the information code C1 and the information code C2 are arranged in the vicinity. Here, the vicinity refers to a position where both the information code C1 and the information code C2 enter the field of view of the information code reader 40. Accordingly, since the information code C2 can be read with little movement of the information code reader 40, it is difficult for a third party to know that the information code C2 exists there.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, an information code reading system, an information code reading method, and a display medium according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the display medium 20a according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 4A illustrates a captured image obtained by irradiating the display medium 20a with visible light. FIG. 4B shows a captured image captured by irradiating the display medium 20a with dedicated light. In FIG. 4B, the position of the mask member 31 is indicated by a two-dot chain line for convenience.

  The second embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in that the information code C2 is covered with the information code C1. Specifically, among the modules constituting the information code C2, each light color module exhibits a light color reflection characteristic when irradiated with visible light or dedicated light, and each dark color module represents visible light or dedicated light. It is configured to exhibit dark color reflection characteristics when irradiated with light. For example, each module constituting the information code C2 is configured by applying commonly used ordinary ink. The information code C2 is covered so that it cannot be visually recognized by the mask member 31 configured using the same quality ink as the mask member 30 described above.

  On the mask member 31, an information code C1 configured using ink of the same quality as the mask member 30 described above is displayed. For this reason, in the normal state where the visible light is dominant, as shown in FIG. 4A, the information code C2 is hidden by the information code C1 and the mask member 31, and cannot be viewed and imaged. On the other hand, when imaging is performed while irradiating the dedicated light, the reflected light from each module constituting the information code C2 passes through the information code C1 and the mask member 31, so that the imaging is performed as shown in FIG. Thus, the information code C2 can be extracted from the captured image.

  In the reading process, in step S105, the information code C1 imaged in a state where the visible light is irradiated is decoded (Yes in S107), and in step S113, the image is captured in a state where the dedicated light is irradiated. When the information code C2 is decoded (Yes in S115), it is authenticated in step S117 that the display medium 20a is a regular medium.

  As described above, in the information code reading system 10 according to the present embodiment, the information code C1 that is visible so that the first information can be read and transmits the dedicated light is displayed on the display medium 20a. An information code C2 that is covered with the code C1 and from which the second information is read by the reflection characteristic corresponding to the dedicated light is displayed. Then, by obtaining the decoding results of both the captured information code C1 and information code C2, it is authenticated that the captured display medium 20a is a legitimate medium.

  In the information code reading method, as a first step, the information code C1 imaged by the information code reading device 40 is decoded in step S105, and dedicated light is irradiated by the information code reading device 40 in step S113. The information code C2 imaged in the captured state is decoded, and as a second step, the decoding result is obtained in each of steps S105 and S113, so that the imaged display medium 20a is a regular medium in step S117. It is authenticated that.

  As described above, when both the information code C1 and the information code C2 are read, the display medium 20a is authenticated as a legitimate medium. Therefore, the mere reproduction is performed by the information code C1 and the mask member 31 that transmit the dedicated light. By covering the information code C2, it is not possible to accurately duplicate the information code C2 that exhibits reflection characteristics with the dedicated light, and thus it is possible to prevent the display medium 20a from being duplicated using the information code C2. In particular, it is very conceivable that even though there is an information code C1 that can be viewed by a third party, an information code C2 that shows reflection characteristics with dedicated light in addition to the information code C1 is further prepared. It is difficult to make it difficult to know the presence of the information code C2. Furthermore, since the information code C2 can also be read by directing the reading port of the information code reading device 40 to the position where the information code C1 is read, not only the reading operation is facilitated, but also the information code C2 is read by the information code C1. Knowing the existence can be made more difficult. Therefore, it is possible to improve security related to information code copy prevention.

  In particular, the information code C <b> 2 is covered with the mask member 31 that transmits the dedicated light, and the information code C <b> 1 is arranged to cover the mask member 31. For this reason, not only the presence of the information code C2 can be made more difficult to know by the mask member 31, but also the information code C1 and the information code C2 arranged to overlap can be clearly distinguished.

  Note that the mask member 31 may be eliminated if the reflected light of the information code C2 by visible light does not hinder the decoding of the information code C1. Moreover, you may comprise information code C1 by covering a part of each module which comprises information code C2 with another module group which can permeate | transmit exclusive light.

  In the present embodiment, for a third party who does not know the presence of the information code C2, the information code C1 appears to be read at first glance. However, in reality, the information code C2 can be read. As a result, it is possible to make it more difficult to know the presence of the information code C2.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, an information code reading system, an information code reading method, and a display medium according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of reading processing in the information code reading device 40 according to the third embodiment.
In the third embodiment, authentication information is included in the second information in order to improve authentication accuracy, and the above-described reading process is calculated based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 instead of the flowchart shown in FIG. The point to be processed is mainly different from the first embodiment. For this reason, substantially the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the information code C2 is configured such that information for authentication (hereinafter also referred to as authentication information) is included in the second information in addition to the above-described personal information of the ticket purchaser. Yes. Here, the authentication information is information set in advance, and is set to information that can specify the information code C1, for example.

Hereinafter, the reading process performed by the information code reading device 40 in the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
Similar to the first embodiment, in step S105 of FIG. 5, the information code captured in the state of being irradiated with visible light is decoded (Yes in S107), and dedicated light is irradiated in step S113. When the information code captured in the state is decoded (Yes in S115), the determination process shown in step S201 is performed, and it is determined whether or not the information for authentication is included in the decoded information in step S113.

  Here, when a regular admission ticket constituted by the display medium 20 is imaged, the authentication information is included in the decoded second information (Yes in S201). An authentication process is performed, and a process for authenticating the entrance ticket (display medium 20) is performed assuming that the captured entrance ticket (display medium 20) is authentic. And the process after step S119 is made.

  On the other hand, even when a forged ticket that successfully decodes the information code by imaging the dedicated light is captured, if the information decoded from the information code does not include authentication information (S201). No), the second notification process shown in step S123 is performed, and the display unit 46 displays and notifies that the captured entrance ticket is not a regular entrance ticket.

  As described above, in the information code reading system 10 according to the present embodiment, since the second information includes authentication information, the authentication code is added to the information code captured in the state where the dedicated light is irradiated. By determining whether or not the usage information is included, it is possible to determine whether or not the information code C2 is read, that is, whether or not the display medium 20 (admission ticket) is legitimate. As a result, simply reading the information code C2 does not authenticate that the display medium 20 is a legitimate medium, so that the authentication accuracy can be improved.

  Note that the characteristic configuration of the present embodiment for determining whether or not the display medium is a legitimate medium according to the authentication information in the reading process can also be applied to other embodiments.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, an information code reading system, an information code reading method, and a display medium according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of reading processing in the information code reading device 40 according to the fourth embodiment.
The fourth embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in that the above-described reading process is calculated based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 instead of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 in order to improve the authentication accuracy. . For this reason, substantially the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, a certain relationship is established between the information included in the first information decoded from the information code C1 and the information included in the second information decoded from the information code C2. An information code C1 and an information code C2 are configured. Here, for example, one of the paired information (for example, information A) is included in the first information, and the other (for example, information B) is included in the second information as the certain relationship. The

Hereinafter, the reading process performed by the information code reading device 40 in the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
Similar to the first embodiment, in step S105 of FIG. 6, the information code captured in the state of being irradiated with visible light is decoded (Yes in S107), and dedicated light is irradiated in step S113. When the information code imaged in the state is decoded (Yes in S115), the determination process shown in Step S203 is performed, and the information included in the information decoded in Step S105 and the information decoded in Step S113 are converted into information. It is determined whether or not a certain relationship is established by comparing with the included information.

  Here, when a regular admission ticket composed of the display medium 20 is imaged, the information A is included in the information decoded in step S105, and the information B is included in the information decoded in step S113. Therefore, it is determined that a certain relationship is established based on these comparison results (Yes in S203), the authentication process shown in step S117 is performed, and the captured entrance ticket (display medium 20) is authentic. Then, a process for authenticating the entrance ticket (display medium 20) is performed. And the process after step S119 is made.

  On the other hand, even when a forged ticket that successfully decodes the information code by irradiating dedicated light is captured, if the paired information is not included in the decoded information, there is a certain relationship. When it is determined that it is not established (No in S203), the second notification process shown in Step S123 is performed, and the fact that the captured entrance ticket is not a regular entrance ticket is displayed and notified.

  As described above, the information code reading system 10 according to the present embodiment further authenticates that the display medium 20 (admission ticket) is legitimate according to the comparison result of the two decoding results. As a result, it is determined whether or not the display medium 20 is a regular medium in consideration of both the contents of the first information and the contents of the second information, so that the authentication accuracy can be further improved. .

  Note that the characteristic configuration of the present embodiment for determining whether or not the display medium is a regular medium according to the comparison result of the two decoding results in the reading process can also be applied to other embodiments.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, an information code reading system, an information code reading method, and a display medium according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of reading processing in the information code reading device 40 according to the fifth embodiment.
In the fifth embodiment, in order to improve the security related to information code copy prevention, the second information includes information related to the expiration date, and the reading process described above is shown in FIG. 7 instead of the flowchart shown in FIG. The point which performs arithmetic processing based on the flowchart is mainly different from the first embodiment. For this reason, substantially the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the information code C2 is configured such that information related to the expiration date is included in the second information in addition to the above-described personal information of the ticket purchaser.

Hereinafter, the reading process performed by the information code reading device 40 in the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
As in the first embodiment, the information code captured in the state of being irradiated with visible light is decoded in step S105 of FIG. 7 (Yes in S107), and dedicated light is irradiated in step S113. When the information code captured in the state is decoded (Yes in S115), the determination process shown in Step S205 is performed, and it is determined whether or not the information code decoded in Step S113 is within the expiration date. The

  Here, when a regular admission ticket composed of the display medium 20 within the expiration date is imaged (Yes in step S205), the authentication process shown in step S117 is performed, and the captured admission ticket (display medium 20) is displayed. ) Is authorized, a process for authenticating the admission ticket (display medium 20) is performed. And the process after step S119 is made.

  On the other hand, when an admission ticket that has expired or a forged ticket that does not have expiry date information is being imaged (No in S205), the second notification process shown in step S123 is performed, and the captured admission ticket is Is displayed on the display unit 46 to notify that it is not an admission ticket.

  As described above, in the information code reading system 10 according to the present embodiment, when the expiration date obtained from the decoding result of the information code C2 is within a predetermined time limit, the display medium 20 (admission ticket) is displayed. Authenticate that the media is legitimate. As a result, the security related to the prevention of information code duplication can be improved in consideration of the expiration date, and not only can the falsification of the expiration date be suppressed, but even the expiration date can be made difficult to know. .

  Note that the characteristic configuration of this embodiment in which the display medium is authenticated in consideration of the expiration date in the reading process can also be applied to other embodiments.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, an information code reading system, an information code reading method, and a display medium according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of reading processing in the information code reading device 40 according to the sixth embodiment.
In the sixth embodiment, in order to improve security related to the information code C1, the information code C1 is encrypted, and the above-described reading process is calculated based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 instead of the flowchart shown in FIG. However, this is mainly different from the first embodiment. For this reason, substantially the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the information code C1 is configured as a partially private code having a public area and a private area (an area in which encrypted data encrypted with a predetermined encryption key is recorded). Yes. When reading a partially private code configured in this way, a reader that does not have a corresponding encryption key can read non-encrypted data recorded in the public area even if it can be decoded. The encrypted data to be recorded cannot be decoded.

  For this reason, in the present embodiment, information specifying the concert and information that can be disclosed such as a management number are recorded in the public area of the information code C1, and the personal information of the ticket purchaser should be kept private in the private area. Information is recorded. The information code C2 is configured such that the encryption key is included in the second information.

Hereinafter, the reading process performed by the information code reading device 40 in the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
Similarly to the first embodiment, when an information code is imaged in a state where visible light is irradiated, the public part decoding process shown in step S105a of FIG. 8 is performed, and an area that does not require an encryption key (public area) Decoding is performed on. When this decoding is successful (Yes in S107) and the information code captured in the state where the dedicated light is irradiated is decoded in Step S113 (Yes in S115), the private part decoding process shown in Step S207 is performed. . In this process, based on the encryption key included in the second information acquired in step S113, decoding is performed for the private area of the information code in which the public area is decoded.

  Here, when a regular admission ticket configured by the display medium 20 in which the encryption key is recorded in the information code C2 is captured, since the encryption key has been acquired in step S113, the above-mentioned secret In the partial decoding process, the personal information of the ticket purchaser recorded in the private area of the information code C1 is acquired by decoding using this encryption key (Yes in S209). In step S117, assuming that the captured entrance ticket (display medium 20) is legitimate, a process for authenticating the entrance ticket (display medium 20) is performed, and the processes after step S119 are performed.

  On the other hand, even when a forged ticket that successfully decodes the information code by illuminating the dedicated light is captured, the above-mentioned private part decoding process fails unless the encryption key corresponding to the information code C1 is acquired. (No in S209). In this case, the second notification process shown in step S123 is performed, and the display unit 46 displays and notifies that the captured entrance ticket is not a regular entrance ticket.

  As described above, in the information code reading system 10 according to the present embodiment, the second information includes a predetermined encryption key for decrypting the non-public area of the information code C1, and thus information that cannot be visually recognized. Since the information code C1 cannot even be decoded unless the code C1 is read, the authentication accuracy can be further improved and the security related to the information code C1 can be improved.

  Note that the information code C1 is not limited to being partially configured as a private code, and may be encrypted so that it cannot be decoded unless a predetermined encryption key included in the second information is used. In this case, in the reading process, the decoding process for the information code C1 in the visible light irradiation state can be performed after the decoding process for the information code C2 in the dedicated light irradiation state.

  Note that the characteristic configuration of the present embodiment in which a predetermined encryption key for decrypting the information code C1 is included in the second information can also be applied to other embodiments.

[Seventh Embodiment]
Next, an information code reading system, an information code reading method, and a display medium according to a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of reading processing in the information code reading device 40 according to the seventh embodiment.
In the seventh embodiment, in order to reduce the processing load in the reading process, the above-described reading process is calculated based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 instead of the flowchart shown in FIG. Mainly different. For this reason, substantially the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, the reading process performed by the information code reading device 40 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
By placing the entrance ticket (display medium 20) at a predetermined reading position, the dedicated light irradiation process shown in step S101a of FIG. 9 is performed, and the dedicated light is irradiated from the second illumination light source 44. Next, in the imaging process shown in step S103, the entrance ticket in a state where the dedicated light is irradiated is imaged by the imaging unit 42, and in the decoding process shown in step S105, the code image of the area where the information code C2 is arranged. Is decoded.

  Here, if the admission ticket imaged by irradiating the dedicated light is a regular admission ticket constituted by the display medium 20, the second information is decoded (Yes in S107). Then, visible light irradiation processing shown in step S109a is performed, and visible light is irradiated from the first illumination light source 43. Next, in the imaging process shown in step S111, an entrance ticket that has been irradiated with visible light is imaged by the imaging unit 42, and in the decoding process shown in step S113, a code image of an area where the information code C1 is arranged. Is decoded. When the decoding is successful and the first information is acquired (Yes in S115), the authentication process shown in step S117 is performed, and it is assumed that the captured entrance ticket (display medium 20) is a regular one. Processing for authenticating (display medium 20) is performed. And the process after step S119 is made.

  On the other hand, if the ticket is simply forged by copying the display medium 20 using a normal copying machine, the first decoding process (S105) fails (No in S107), so that the entrance is in the state of being irradiated with visible light. The second notification process shown in step S123 is performed without imaging the ticket, and the display unit 46 displays and notifies that the captured entrance ticket is not a regular entrance ticket.

  As described above, in the information code reading method according to the present embodiment, after the information code C2 imaged in the state of being irradiated with the dedicated light is decoded, the information code imaged in the state of being irradiated with visible light. C1 is decoded. As a result, a medium that has been decoded and irradiated with dedicated light can be regarded as a counterfeit medium, and when the counterfeit medium is imaged, an imaging process and a decoding process related to the information code C1 are omitted. As a result, processing related to authentication can be facilitated, and the processing load can be reduced.

  In particular, assuming the admission of the concerts and the theme parks mentioned in the examples, it is assumed that a very large number of visitors enter one after another. By speeding up the process related to authentication as described above, it is possible to prevent visitors from getting clogged and clogging at the entrance gate for fraud detection, and to enter the venue without inconveniencing the majority of regular visitors. It is possible to grasp fraud related to tickets.

  In the reading process, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment in which the information code imaged in the visible light irradiation state is decoded after the information code imaged in the dedicated light irradiation state is decoded. It can also be applied to.

In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, For example, you may actualize as follows.
(1) It is not limited to adopting infrared light of a wavelength band of 750 nm or more as dedicated light (light of a specific wavelength band), for example, adopting ultraviolet light of a wavelength band of 380 nm or less as dedicated light. Also good. In this case, the mask members 30, 31 and the like can be configured to transmit the reflected light from each module when the ultraviolet light is irradiated.

(2) The information codes C1 and C2 are not limited to being configured as QR codes, but may be configured as information codes of other code types, for example, barcodes, data matrix codes, maxi codes, and the like.

(3) The information code reading system according to the present invention is not limited to being adopted as an admission management system for concerts, theme parks, etc., for example, an information code such as a system for issuing a discount coupon or the like on which an information code is displayed. It can employ | adopt for the other system using the display medium on which is displayed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Information code reading system 20, 20a ... Display medium 30, 31 ... Mask member 40 ... Information code reading device (reading device)
41. Control unit (authentication means, decoding means)
42 ... Imaging unit (imaging means)
44 ... Second illumination light source (illumination means)
C1 ... first information code C2 ... second information code

Claims (13)

A display medium on which an information code is displayed; and
A reader for optically reading the information code displayed on the display medium,
In an information code reading system having authentication means for authenticating the display medium based on a reading result by the reading device,
The display medium includes
A visible first information code from which the first information is read and a second information code from which the second information is read by reflection characteristics according to light in a specific wavelength band are displayed.
The reader is
Illumination means capable of irradiating at least the light of the specific wavelength band;
Imaging means for imaging the first information code and the second information code in a state in which the light of the specific wavelength band is irradiated by the illumination means on the display medium;
Decoding means for decoding the information code imaged by the imaging means;
With
The authenticating means authenticates that the display medium is a regular medium by obtaining the decoding results of both the first information code and the second information code by the decoding means. A featured information code reading system.   The information code reading system according to claim 1, wherein the first information code and the second information code are arranged along a predetermined reading direction. A display medium on which an information code is displayed; and
A reader for optically reading the information code displayed on the display medium,
In an information code reading system having authentication means for authenticating the display medium based on a reading result by the reading device,
The display medium includes
A first information code that is visible so that the first information can be read and transmits light in a specific wavelength band, and is covered by the first information code and corresponds to the light in the specific wavelength band A second information code from which the second information is read by the reflection characteristic is displayed,
The reader is
Illumination means capable of irradiating at least the light of the specific wavelength band;
Imaging means for imaging the first information code and the second information code in a state in which the light of the specific wavelength band is irradiated by the illumination means on the display medium;
Decoding means for decoding the information code imaged by the imaging means;
With
The authenticating means authenticates that the display medium is a regular medium by obtaining the decoding results of both the first information code and the second information code by the decoding means. A featured information code reading system. The second information code is covered by a mask member that transmits light of the specific wavelength band,
The information code reading system according to claim 3, wherein the first information code is disposed so as to cover the mask member.   The information code reading system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second information includes information for authentication.   The said authentication means further authenticates that the said display medium is a regular medium according to the comparison result of the said two decoding results, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Information code reading system. The second information includes information related to an expiration date used for authentication,
The authentication means further authenticates that the display medium is a regular medium when the expiration date obtained from the decoding result is within a predetermined time limit. The information code reading system according to claim 1. The first information code is encrypted so as to be decipherable with a predetermined encryption key,
The information code reading system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second information includes the predetermined encryption key. In an information code reading method for optically reading an information code displayed on a display medium using a reading device,
The display medium includes
A visible first information code from which the first information is read and a second information code from which the second information is read by reflection characteristics according to light in a specific wavelength band are displayed.
A first step of decoding the imaged first information code by the reading device and decoding the second information code imaged in a state where the light of the specific wavelength band is irradiated;
A second step of authenticating that the display medium is a regular medium by obtaining a decoding result in each of the first steps;
An information code reading method comprising: In an information code reading method for optically reading an information code displayed on a display medium using a reading device,
The display medium includes
A first information code that is visible so that the first information can be read and transmits light in a specific wavelength band, and is covered by the first information code and corresponds to the light in the specific wavelength band A second information code from which the second information is read by the reflection characteristic is displayed,
A first step of decoding the imaged first information code by the reading device and decoding the second information code imaged in a state where the light of the specific wavelength band is irradiated;
A second step of authenticating that the display medium is a regular medium by obtaining a decoding result in each of the first steps;
An information code reading method comprising:   The first information code is decoded in the first step after decoding the second information code imaged in a state where the light of the specific wavelength band is irradiated. Or the information code reading method of 10. A display medium on which an information code is displayed,
A display medium comprising: a first visible information code from which first information can be read; and a second information code from which second information is read by reflection characteristics according to light in a specific wavelength band. A display medium on which an information code is displayed,
A first information code that is visible so that the first information can be read and transmits light in a specific wavelength band, and is covered by the first information code and corresponds to the light in the specific wavelength band And a second information code from which the second information is read by reflection characteristics.

Images